I used to suffer from panic attacks, the ones that come on suddenly and make you feel like you can’t breathe, like you’re going to die. Ya, those kind.
Back then I needed to know exactly how life was going to unfold. I spent a lot of time trying to prepare for all the “what iffs.” My mind would race day in and day out and going to sleep was a nightmare. I could never let go and relax, I was constantly trying to stay busy to avoid feeling my anxiety.
Buddhist meditation changed all of that for me. I live in peace, rarely get stressed and if I do, I know exactly what to do with it and it is gone quickly.
Most of my anxiety came from fear of change. I was afraid of the unknown. I was afraid I could not handle what life brought me and so I always needed to be prepared. This took a ton of my energy and time. It was exhausting.
Then I found Buddhist meditation. Or it found me… . One of the first teachings of the Buddha is called the Truth of Impermanence. This means everything is constantly changing, nothing is permanent. This was one of the most important truths for me to learn. It is reality and I was not living in reality. I tried to create a reality where I was in control. Ha!!!
Life is unpredictable and uncontrollable. Change is constant, just like the weather, the seasons, the flow of water. We do not resist this. But we do resist life and this is the source of suffering.
When we accept the truth of impermanence, we surrender to the nature of life. We let go of control and trust that we are able to handle life. This is when the magic starts to happen. In the letting go. Its the best kept secret.
It has been 25 years since I had a panic attack or anxiety attack for that matter. No medication, just meditation. Life has become magical indeed. I am just a person like you. Anyone can meditate.
If you would like to see how Buddhist meditation can transform your life, give me a shout. I would be delighted to share it with you.
Making Friends with Change will change everything for you.
Love,
Melanie
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